Detectorist finds post-medieval doll in field

Mark McMullan initially did not think much of his find until he cleaned mud off the doll

A doll found buried in a field is believed to date back to the mid-1500s.

Mark McMullan, 51, found what is thought to be a pewter doll while out with his metal detector in the fields near his home in Darlington.

He said it was buried 14in (36cm) into the ground and he did not think it was particularly interesting until he gave it a clean at home.

Underwater archaeologist Gary Bankhead, honorary fellow of Durham University, said "base-metal figurines were popular children's toys during the 16th Century" but were not often found.

Mr Bankhead said: "While more elaborate examples were imported from continental Europe, this particular piece may be of local production, as similar finds are known on the [British Museum's] Portable Antiquities Scheme from northern England.

"Although toys of this type were widely used, they are seldom recovered from archaeological excavations."

He said although it was "incomplete and roughly made", the figurine offered a "poignant glimpse into the imaginative lives of children and the modest artistry of early toy-making."

The doll is believed to date back to the 1500s

Mr McMullan said he had been exploring a site near medieval ruins and hopes to have another search after this exciting find.

"Initially I just thought it was a piece of lead but then I spotted what looked like a face," he said.

"I got the cleaning brush out and very carefully tidied it up."

The 51-year-old was scared of "snapping" the doll while he cleaned it and plans to hand deliver it to the County Durham finds officer rather than risk posting it.

He searched the Portable Antiquities Scheme database to see if anyone else had ever made a similar find and only found one - a lead doll found in Leicestershire.

"I spoke to an academic who told me it could be even older than medieval because of the sword on the back," Mr McMullan said.

"It is pretty exciting and it is creating quite a stir in the metal detecting community."